Brendan Lawlor signed off his maiden event of the 2024 season with a third place finish as world number one Kipp Popert claimed a ninth G4D Tour title as he triumphed at the first edition of the G4D Tour @ Magical Kenya Open.
A one-under opening effort saw the Dundalk man four back going into the second and final round, but his lack of pre-tournament competition caught up with him as he struggled to a three-over 74 in round two, finishing four behind Australian Lachlan Wood and well off the pace of Popert.
Popert, the Number One player on the World Ranking for Golfers with a Disability, finished five strokes ahead of fellow G4D Tour winner Wood, who followed up his victory at the Australian All Abilities Championship with the runner-up finish in Nairobi.
The Englishman extended his G4D Tour record of victories as he carded a two under par round of 69 at Muthaiga Golf Club, following on from his first round five under par 66.
Popert carded seven birdies during his first round and saw his two-stroke overnight lead increase to three as Wood bogeyed the second hole on Tuesday morning. Popert then recorded four birdies in five holes from the third and finished his round with two birdies and three bogeys to sign for a seven under par total.
“I’m ecstatic,” said Popert. “I’ve put a lot of hard work in over the last few weeks in Australia. I’ve been pushing myself and playing against extremely tough competition over there. I’ve got high hopes for my career and I’m really pleased with how I played this week.
“I made 13 birdies this week, I’ve been making a lot the last couple of weeks, so to do it in a tournament is really pleasing. I played a lot with my friend from England, John Gough, who is playing in the Magical Kenya Open this week. We had some good games and it’s awesome to push myself against these guys.
“It’s been incredible. I’ve never been to Kenya before and as soon as it was added to the schedule, we were buzzing for it. To experience the culture, the colours on the golf course, I had a really good time. It’s been a pleasure to come out here and I’d love to do it again.”
The G4D Tour will return to action in May with the second edition of the G4D Open, which will once again be held at Woburn Golf Club in England.
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